Submission: January 18, 2022
Registration: January 17, 2022
Language: English
Location: New Haven, United States
Prizes: $24000
Type: Open

This challenge aims to design an autistic care center for children aged 6 years, where this place will play a part as a play and care center for the kids. Considering the wide spectrum of their capabilities and needs, there is a range of activities that need spaces that are specially customized to their needs. How can architecture aid in their well-being and what strategies can aid this design?

Differently able

“Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability.” – Stuart Duncan

Autism is defined as autistic spectrum disorder which is a kind of disorder that creates challenges in the communication and behaviour of the person. It is observed through a variety of symptoms and ways. The level of severity can vary considerably in each person, depending upon their condition and complexity.

There is a trouble experienced in understanding people and feelings. They have a hard time observing what people think and feel which causes a certain problem in their self-expression and self-creation. In these stages, there is an essential need for care and concern offered by both the family and special caregivers who know how to handle and empower these autistic people with love. To handle and provide for children affected there are various autistic-friendly spaces created around the world. Although there are at least 1 in 160 autistic children around the globe and hence creates a need to understand their needs and requirements.

Caring environments

ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) is seen in more contrast in the younger generations, from their childhood experience various basic problems in their growth and their way of behaviour.

Children with autism spectrum disorder are characterized by a combination of two unusual kinds of behaviours: deficits in communication and social skills, and restricted or repetitive behaviours. These symptoms may vary greatly in severity.

Thus making them in need of friendly and caring people around them at all times. The major spaces that they spend most of their time in are play and care spaces.

Design Objectives

Concept: Exploring different and innovative ways how one can make the spaces made for autistic children more engaging and a kid-friendly atmosphere.

Access: The centre must employ a barrier-free design to grant access to all types of autistic patients around the site.

Interact: Create a conscious sensory design that aids and supports the triggering and control of their senses.

Harmony: The design of the centre must be exclusive enough to offer a safe and secure environment for autistic children, but at the same time must not be isolated from the neighbouring context.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.